Are you still giving importance to the holiday dedicated to Andres Bonifacio?
Andres Bonifacio is considered one of the Philippines’ national heroes because of how he fought for the country’s freedom, but are we living up to the legacy he left?
He is called the “Supremo” who was the Father of the Katipunan, the secret revolutionary society he founded in 1892. Their goal was to win independence from Spain by means of a revolution.
Bonifacio was regarded as a brave man who did not fear death for his patriotic beliefs. Who led the battles against the Spaniards and defended his countrymen. He has that sense of responsibility as he was orphaned by the age of 14. His leadership was commendable and his love for his country cannot be doubted.
Every November 30, the Philippines is commemorating the birth of a man who chose to fight against the oppressor not just for his own freedom but for the freedom of his countrymen.
Andres Bonifacio sacrificed his life for his country and for what he believed. Based on the article in Esquire, the Philippine hero had this famous line about making sacrifices: “Ipaghandog-handog ang buong pag-ibig, At hanggang may dugo’y ubusang itigis Kung sa pagtatanggol, buhay ay mapatid Ito’y kapalaran at tunay na langit.”
For the love for his country, he once said, “Kalakip din nito’y pag-ibig sa Bayan. Ang lahat ng lalong sa gunita’y mahal. Mula sa masaya’y gasong kasanggulan hanggang sa katawa’y mapasa-libingan.”
Definitely, no one can forget his famous line, “Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila. Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa. Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga wala.”
When it comes to one’s duty, Bonifacio said, “Always desire the goodness of each other; be a model to one another in executing and fulfilling one’s duty.”
He was a man of integrity and courage. For many years, he has been talked about in schools. There have been countless times he was honored, mentioned, and highlighted in public speeches and inspirational talks.
However, are we really honoring him the right way? They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. If we really honor and value what Andres Bonifacio or other heroes had done, would it be nice that we would imitate or mirror their passion to serve the country and the people?
There is no revolution now, the Philippines is not reigned over by another country, but still, we have battles and causes to fight for, not just for ourselves but for our loved ones and countrymen as well.